translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: ACT

label: NET study note

text: The Sadducees controlled the official political structures of Judaism at this time, being the majority members of the Sanhedrin. They were known as extremely strict on law and order issues (Josephus, J. W. 2.8.2 [2.119], 2.8.14 [2.164-166]; Ant. 13.5.9 [13.171-173], 13.10.6 [13.293-298], 18.1.2 [18.11], 18.1.4 [18.16-17], 20.9.1 [20.199]; Life 2 [10-11]). See also Matt 3:7; 16:1-12; 22:23-34 ; Mark 12:18-27 ; Luke 20:27-38 ; Acts 5:17; 23:6-8 .


text: The high priest’s family. This family controlled the high priesthood as far back as a.d. 6. Annas, Caiaphas, and Alexander were all high priests at one time (though Alexander held that office after this event).


text: By what name. The issue of the “ name ” comes up again here. This question, meaning “by whose authority,” surfaces an old dispute (see Luke 20:1-8 ). Who speaks for God about the ancient faith?


text: Filled with the Holy Spirit. The narrator’s remark about the Holy Spirit indicates that Peter speaks as directed by God and for God. This fulfills Luke 12:11-12 ( 1 Pet 3:15 ).


text: A quotation from Ps 118:22 which combines the theme of rejection with the theme of God’s vindication/exaltation.


text: Must be saved. The term used here ( δεῖ , dei , “it is necessary”) reflects the necessity set up by God’s directive plan.


text: Uneducated does not mean “illiterate,” that is, unable to read or write. Among Jews in NT times there was almost universal literacy, especially as the result of widespread synagogue schools. The term refers to the fact that Peter and John had no formal rabbinic training and thus, in the view of their accusers, were not qualified to expound the law or teach publicly. The objection is like Acts 2:7 .


text: In the name of Jesus. Once again, the “ name ” reflects the person. The person of Jesus and his authority is the “troubling” topic that, as far as the Jewish leadership is concerned, needs controlling.


text: With one mind. Compare Acts 1:14 .


text: The Greek word translated rage includes not only anger but opposition, both verbal and nonverbal. See L&N 88.185.


text: A quotation from Ps 2:1-2 .


text: The application of Ps 2:1-2 is that Jews and Gentiles are opposing Jesus. The surprise of the application is that Jews are now found among the enemies of God’s plan.


text: A wordplay on “Christ,” v. 26 , which means “one who has been anointed.”


text: Grant to your servants to speak your message with great courage. The request is not for a stop to persecution or revenge on the opponents, but for boldness ( great courage ) to carry out the mission of proclaiming the message of what God is doing through Jesus.


text: The place where they were assembled…was shaken. This signifies that God is in their midst. See Acts 16:26 ; Exod 19:18 ; Ps 114:7 ; Isa 6:4 .


text: This is a parenthetical note by the author. Note how the actions of Barnabas are in keeping with the meaning of his nickname. He stands in contrast to Ananias and Sapphira in 5:1-11 .